Cargo trial on Kopili marks marks revival of river transport in Assam
A significant advancement in reviving the state's river-based commerce and sustainable logistics occurred when NW-57 (Kopili river) commenced operations with its inaugural cargo trial from Govardhan Bridge in Chandrapur, Kamrup to Hatsingimari in South Salmara.
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The vessel MV VV Giri, featuring self-loading capabilities, transported 300 metric tonnes of cement across the 300-kilometre route on NW-57 and the Brahmaputra, completing the journey in approximately 12 to 14 hours. Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said this development made over 1168 kms of national waterways in Assam operational.
"This is a watershed moment for Assam. With the operationalisation of NW-57 on Kopili, we are not only reviving a lost artery of trade within the state, but also taking a major step towards building an inland water transport system that is economical, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
For far too long, the rich inter-web of riverine transportation remained neglected post-independence," Sonowal added.
This inaugural cargo trial movement on the 46-kms-long NW-57 since 2014 represents a significant milestone in reviving intra-state cargo through Assam's river systems, officials said. The route's operationalisation aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti's objectives of establishing sustainable, integrated, and efficient transport infrastructure nationwide.
"Today, with the resumption of cargo movement on four national waterways of Assam — Brahmaputra (NW-2), Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31) & Kopili (NW-57) — we have made 1168 kms of waterways operational, offering a reasonable, economic and effective alternative mode of transportation," Sonowal said, adding that this would reduce road congestion and create economic opportunities for the state's riverine communities.
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"Under the leadership of PM Modi, the govt of India has placed a strong focus on revitalising our inland waterways to create multimodal logistics corridors. Assam is an important state in this regard as IWAI, the nodal agency of our ministry, is working on multiple projects to unlock value across our river ways," Sonowal said.
From Brahmaputra to Barak, from Dhansiri to Kopili, Sonowal added that this initiative would strengthen regional growth through enhanced inland waterways.
"Reviving waterways like the Kopili is a direct contribution to Modiji's vision of a thriving and self-reliant northeast," Sarbananda added.
He highlighted the practical benefits, stating, "By shifting freight movement from road to waterways, we reduce emissions, ease road congestion, and lower logistics costs — all while making better use of our natural resources. Today's trial run replaces roughly 23 truckloads of cement — that's the power and potential of inland water transport."
Sonowal said the Kopili cargo movement represents modern Assam's progress. "We are determined to build on this success and scale up cargo and passenger movement across all our major rivers. Waterways are not just a mode of transport; they are the arteries of regional prosperity," he added.
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